Title: Animal FarmAuthor: George Orwell
Publication Date: 1946
Page Count: 139
Type: Fiction
Started On: 11/1
Finished On: 11/19
My Grade: B
1. Why did I decide to read this book?
I mainly decided to read this book because it was short. The normal page limit is 200, so when the opportunity arose to read a book shorter than that, I jumped at the chance. This book was also reccomended to me by a friend. I also liked the fact it was based on a farm. I've grown up on a farm my entire life, and this really drew me into the book.
2. Plot summary (avoiding major spoilers when possible).
Work, pain, suffering; the only things the animals of Manor Farm have ever known. After much debate, the animals decide to rebel against their tyrannical master, Jones. After successfully expeling Jones from the farm, the animals can finally live their lives the way they want to; with no human involvement. The pigs, the smartest of all the animals on the farm, assume the leadership role. With all of England looking on, the animals begin to build themselves a brighter future through Animal Farm. However, the pigs-lead by their self appointed leader, Napoleon, become greedy with their complete power over the farm. Will Animal Farm survive, or cease to exsist under the rule of the pigs?
3. What is the setting and why is it important to the novel?
The setting is a farm in England. The time period would be early 1900's. The setting is quite important to the novel because it is about a farm. England, however, has little to do with the story. The time period is very important because it shows technology available to the animals at the time.
4. Who are the main characters and what roles do they play in the novel?
The main characters are Napoleon, a boar; Snowball, a pig; Squealer, a pig; Boxer, a horse; and Jones, the owner of Manor Farm. Napoleon is the self-appointed leader of Animal Farm. Snowball is a very opinionated pig and is exiled, by Napoleon, from Animal Farm. Boxer is the main worker of Animal Farm, always doing more than his part to get a job done. Jones is the human whom the animals rebelled against for ownership of Manor Farm.
5. What/is are the main conflict(s) in the novel?
The initial conflict is the battle of the animals against the humans. However, as the story progresses, we see an internal struggle develop amongst the animals. Napoleon becomes more dicator like every day, to many animals dismay. Most animals are against Napoleon, but are too afraid to stand up. Another side conflict would be the power struggle between Napoleon and Snowball, ultimately ending in Snowballs exile from Animal Farm.
6. Describe the climax of the novel.
Throughout the story, the pigs become more and more humanized. This all finally builds up to a scene where we see the pigs actually walk on two legs. The other animals are distraught at his and do not know what to think. The pigs, who have preached about anti-humanity for so long, are suddenly quite human like. How well will this bode with the other animals?
7. What is the significance of the books title? Is it appropriate or would I change it to something else?
The books title is very significant. It is completely about an "Animal Farm". I believe it is an appropriate title. I wouldn't change it at all. It was a perfect selection for the book.
8. What is my opinion of the book?
Quite unique and humerous, I believe it lacked a good climax. All in all, a very well written novel. I really felt a connection to the animals as the author gave them human-like qualities. I could also relate with the day-to-day labors of the animals, having grown up on a farm myself. I give this book a B rating, mainly because I disliked the ending; too abrupt.
